Subacute Unit
Greater El Monte Community Hospital has committed itself to search for
new ways to provide appropriate and cost-effective medical care for patients
who have complex medical care needs due to a catastrophic illness or injury.
In the past, many of these patients were cared for in expensive acute
care units due to the unavailability of more appropriate placement options.
The gap between acute care and skilled nursing care can be bridged by
the Subacute Unit at Greater El Monte Community Hospital.
WHAT IS A SUBACUTE UNIT?
The Subacute unit is a designated area in an acute care hospital that cares
for patients who require complex medical technology and support to sustain
life. Our goal is to help each patient achieve the best quality of life
and the highest level of functioning possible.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Subacute units may be more cost-effective than traditional acute care beds
because beneficiary coverage is maximized through more efficient usage
of resources. Our subacute unit accept most payers, including Medicare
and Medi-Cal.
WHO CAN BE ADMITTED?
Our Subacute unit specializes in caring for patients who have:
- Multiple trauma, including head and/or spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Post-surgical orthopedic skilled care needs, including: respiratory support,
ventilator dependency, tracheostomies and/or feeding tubes
- Pre- and post-rehabilitation needs, including: occupational therapy, physical
therapy, speech therapy, and wound care
THE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM MEMEBERS
Each resident has a multi-disciplinary care team including: a social worker,
an activities director, a clinical director (a registered nurse), a medical
director (subacute specialty physician), a respiratory therapist, a physical
therapist, and a pharmacist and nutritionist. Every patient treated in
our subacute unit is approached with compassion and dignity. Families
are considered an integral part of the health care team and are kept up-to-date
through monthly team conferences Resident Council Meetings.
OUR MISSION
Greater El Monte Community Hospital is dedicated to developing alternative
methods of care for patients with complex medical needs, and this dedication
stems from the belief that medically complex patients have unique care
needs that cannot always be met in a traditional acute care unit. These
needs include provisions of therapy and emotional support and development
of an individualized care plan by a comprehensive and caring medical team.
Staffing for subacute units is slightly lower than acute care, yet is
higher than the staffing for skilled nursing facilities. This allows our
caregivers to devote the time necessary to care for those patients who
have more intensive medical social needs. Our goal is to maximize improvement
for each patient and to provide support for the entire family.